Best Kayak Carriers for 2017 Honda HR-V EX with Bare Roof
Question:
I am ordering your Malone foam style kayak carrier for the above mentioned vehicle. Would these tie-down straps be my best option? Do I need straps for the front and back, as well?
asked by: Vanessa P
Expert Reply:
Foam block type kayak carriers like the # MPG152 from Malone and similar carriers from other makers sometimes include some tie down straps, which absolutely should be installed on both bow and stern ends of the kayaks. Since the Coastal happens to be sold without straps you will definitely need an item like the Cam Buckle Cinch Straps # E98876-2 or the 16-foot Yakima Cinch Straps # Y05006 that you referenced in your question. Using two sets of straps is not a bad idea either.
Foam block kayak carriers do offer a compelling mix of advantages: low cost, light weight and very quick installation and removal. They also do not alter the appearance of your vehicle except when you happen to be using them.
The down-side to this type of kayak carrier is that is cannot offer the same level of stability and safety as a roof-rack-mounted carrier. Foam blocks like the Coastal are perfect for driving on local roads to a community pond, for example, but if you were planning hours of interstate highway travel with your kayaks I strongly recommend installing a roof rack and rack-mounted kayak carrier.
If your travel plans mean you want to consider this option then the lowest-cost roof rack I can recommend without hesitation is the Rhino-Rack Vortex system made of parts # RRVA118B-2, # RRRLKVA and # DK454. This aero bar rack will be quieter than other bar types and it is a confirmed fit on your HR-V that has a bare roof with no type of fixtures on it.
You can then install a rack-mount carrier like the J-style Swagman Contour # S65148 (which includes tie-downs) or the saddle style Swagman Exo # S65145. We also offer a carrier from Thule, the Stacker # TH830, which holds 1 to 4 kayaks.
You'll want to confirm that your specific kayak(s) total weight is within the capacity of your HR-V's roof.
Products Referenced in This Question
Custom DK Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack Legs - Naked Roof
- Roof Rack
- Fit Kits
- 4 Pack
- Rhino Rack
more information >
etrailer Cam Buckle Cinch Straps w/ Buckle Protectors - 1" x 13' - 293 lbs - Qty 2
- ATV-UTV Tie Downs
- Trailer
- Truck Bed
- Padded Buckles
- 2 Straps
- Manual
- 11 - 20 Feet Long
- Cam Buckle Strap
- Cinch Strap
- 0 - 1 Inch Wide
- 176 - 350 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Malone Deluxe Kayak Carrier with Tie-Downs - Foam Block Style - 18" Long
- Watersport Carriers
- Kayak
- Roof Mount Carrier
- Foam Blocks
- Aero Bars
- Elliptical Bars
- Factory Bars
- Naked Roofs
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- No Load Assist
- Malone
more information >
Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 46" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 46 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Swagman Exo Aero Rooftop Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On
- Watersport Carriers
- Canoe
- Kayak
- Roof Mount Carrier
- Saddle-Style
- Aero Bars
- Elliptical Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Rear Loading
- Clamp On
- No Load Assist
- Swagman
more information >
Swagman Contour Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Fixed - Clamp On
- Watersport Carriers
- Kayak
- Roof Mount Carrier
- J-Style
- Fixed
- Aero Bars
- Elliptical Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- Clamp On
- No Load Assist
- Swagman
more information >
Thule Stacker Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Post Style - Folding - Clamp On
- Watersport Carriers
- Kayak
- Roof Mount Carrier
- Post-Style
- Folding
- Aero Bars
- Elliptical Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- Clamp On
- No Load Assist
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Yakima Cinch Straps w/ Padded Cam Buckles - 16' Long - Qty 2
- Tie Down Straps
- Truck Bed
- Padded Buckles
- Cinch Strap
- Manual
- 11 - 20 Feet Long
- Yakima
more information >
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